Croatia Airlines cancels over a hundred flights
Croatia Airlines has cancelled over 150 one-way flights this month, or 80% of its planned scheduled, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as travel restrictions which have reduced demand. Although the carrier has not dropped any routes operated in July and August, it has reduced frequencies to eighteen destinations from Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, with some, such as London Heathrow, operating just once per week. New requirements imposed by the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Germany, and, as of tomorrow, Switzerland, for entry from Croatia or part of the country are having an impact on traffic flow as the summer travel period draws to a close.
Routes which have seen the largest number of cancellations this month, in addition to the Zagreb - London Heathrow service, include Zagreb - Munich, Zagreb - Rome (via Split and Dubrovnik), Split - Vienna, Dubrovnik - Vienna and Dubrovnik - Athens. The majority of the most affected routes have been those from countries which have introduced entry restrictions for arrivals from Croatia. Earlier this week, the European Commission adopted a proposal to ensure that any measures taken by member states that restrict free movement due to the coronavirus pandemic are coordinated and communicated at the EU level, in order to reduce the negative impacts on the travel industry. The Commission’s proposal sets out four key areas where member states should work closer together, including common criteria, a common colour coded system, a common approach for travellers from high-risk areas and clear and timely information to the public.
Croatia Airlines expects for its passenger numbers to decline 60% in 2020. As a result, it will likely handle under one million travellers for the first time since 1999. During the first half of the year it shed 630.000 passengers on the same period last year. Croatia Airlines previously noted, “In case the crisis drags on and revenue levels reach 37% of last year, while border reopenings are delayed, which will result in lower demand at the start of 2021 and our schedule being reduced to significantly fewer routes, we could except a shortfall of 73 million euros”.
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